Scouts, Scouters, and Parents,
Greetings! Albeit we are unable to assemble together, it is good to see efforts to continue to socialize and communicate through electronic media as we all seek to flatten the curve of the COVID-19. Part of that communication is the Troop blog. If you have not seen already, please tune in for digital classes. Our Quartermaster has posted videos on the three-pot dish washing method and how to properly set up a tent, and I think I spotted a cameo from the ASPL.
This afternoon we have witnessed the April showers that bring May flowers, and that tells us it is a great time to start the Gardening Merit Badge! You can find the requirements and a handy workbook here: http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Gardening.pdf. If you wish to take advantage of this down-time to see if you have a 'green thumb', shoot me an email and I will pre-approve your Blue Card so you can start the merit badge.
This week's Scoutmaster Minute:
This week would have been Spring Break for many of you. For some families, Spring Break is time for vacations to exotic places. For others, it is a trip to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. For many, travel restrictions and our desire to protect our older family members have denied us these cherished visits with our extended family. Not only are we saddened by the inability to see our elderly relatives, but they are equally, if not more, sad not to get to see us. Compounding this grief, many of them prudently chose isolation from the community as age-related health conditions make them more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. These conditions can create a sense of despair. What can you do about it? Pick up the phone or write a letter. Leverage Facetime, Whatsapp, Skype, or some other form of video chat. Text a picture of yourself to your grandparents along with kind words. Cheer them up by letting them know that you love them and that you miss them. This costs you little more than your time, yet the value to the family member is immeasurable. Not only will it make them feel better, but it will make you feel better. A Scout is Kind.
Yours in Scouting,
Doug Henry
Scoutmaster, Troop 1396